7 Ways To Celebrate Beltane, According to Sarah Potter

By Amber C. Snider

Here’s what color magic specialist, Tarot reader, and local NYC psychic medium Sarah Potter has to say about conjuring the fiery energy of Beltane. 

Photo by Spencer Russell on Unsplash

​Also known as May Day, Beltane marks the midway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Often celebrated on May 1st, the origins of Beltane go back to the ancient Celts, when Pagan rituals dedicated to the marriage of the Goddess and the Green Man were held. It’s a time of fecundity, when the earth is beginning to burst with life, and also when the “veil between worlds” is said to be at its thinnest (similar to Samhain in the Wheel of the Year). 
 
The sacred element of fire, with its powerful capacity to both sustain and destroy life, is honored in Beltane rituals which often consist of couples jumping over roaring bonfires, dancing around the maypole (another symbol for fertility), seeking out the faeries, and generally relishing in Mother Earth’s bounty. The word Beltane actually translates to “bright fire” and also references the Celtic God Bel, so the bonfire was meant to not only honor the God, but also used for purification and protection. 
 
For urban witches, celebrating Beltane like the olden days may look a bit different –– but that doesn’t mean you can’t still harness the power of this time. Here are some tips from color magic specialist and city witch Sarah Potter on how to celebrate this decadent & fecund holiday. 

What do you desire?
“I love Beltane! It is such a sexy holiday celebrating all of the beauty and joy of fertility, sex, growth, and abundance. This is the time of year to really honor your fiery, sexual, creative self. Where in your life are you wishing to increase your abundance? What do you desire? What do you wish to create?” –– Sarah Potter
 
Editor’s tip: Try an automatic writing ritual to “coax” out your inner desires. Take a sea salt bath, light some incense (like this Beltane Fire Sabbat blend) or burn your favorite oil blend. After you emerge from the tub, grab a notebook and spend 20 minutes writing down your desires. Don’t censor or judge yourself as you write, simply focus on what you want for this season and stay open to whatever comes to you. 
 
Pull some cards...
“Plan your rituals accordingly around your answers to these questions. Pull some Tarot or Oracle cards if you need a push in the right direction or to gain a little further insight.” –– Sarah Potter
 
Editor’s tip: Here is a list of our favorite Tarot cards at the Enchantments’ shop. 
 
Fertility comes in many forms
“If you are trying to get pregnant, now is the time to do some fertility magic! If you want to birth a new creative project or launch a business, focus your magic towards these endeavors! Fertility comes in many forms and this is a very creative, abundant time of year.” –– Sarah Potter

Editor's Tip: Try a Song of Elder God or Song of Elder Goddess candle to invoke creativity and success in the arts. 
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Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

Solo? No prob...
“Traditionally, witches dance around the maypole, a classic fertility dance! I live in Manhattan so I don’t usually do a maypole dance (I have a studio apartment), but I love to have a fun dance party with my coven sisters. This could be a solo situation as well: Create a playlist of your favorite feel good, sexy dance tunes and get moving and HAVE FUN! Dress up! Adorn your hair with flowers!” –– Sarah Potter
 
Work in some color magic
“Purples, greens, and early spring flowers like daffodils, hyacinths, forsythia, daisies, tulips invoke the energy of the season so adorn yourself, your home, and your altar accordingly.” –– Sarah Potter
 
Editor’s tip: Learn more about color magic from Sarah Potter here.
 
Burn and release
“If the weather permits, get outside and enjoy nature. If you live in a city, go to the park. Enjoy whatever access to nature you have at your disposal. If you have a backyard, have friends over for a bonfire. Write your intentions down on paper and send them off into the universe by throwing them into the flames. This can be done with a candle flame as well if you cannot do a full on bonfire.” –– Sarah Potter

Editor's candle recommendation: "Attraction" scented printed candle here.  
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Photo by David von Diemar on Unsplash

​Embrace your sexual fire
“Leaning into the Beltane spirit of owning your sexual energy, take some sensual selfies for yourself (or share them if you choose!) Dress up in your fave lingeries or a silky robe, take a million shots, capture all of those angles, and admire your beauty!” –– Sarah Potter
 
For more tips by Sarah Potter, check out this interview on "How to Manifest What You Really Want." You can also check out her IG here: @iamsarahpotter